Different Types of Lip Augmentation
There are many reasons why someone would opt to get their lip augmented; for aesthetic appeal or some medical reasons. There are different types of lip augmentation depending on the material used for the permanency of the surgery. Most commonly, the two types of lip augmentation are Lip Fillers and Lip Implants.
Lip Fillers
Lip fillers are temporary and only last for about 6 months after which new injections are required. This involves injecting the lips with tissues, fats, or acids to increase the volume of the lip and alter the shape according to the customer's required taste. The most common, lip or dermal filler is Hyaluronic acid fillers. They are considered the best option because many reasons i.e.- They are non-allergic. The biggest problem with different fillers like collagen was the allergies it caused in certain cases. However, Hyaluronic Acid resembles the bio-molecules present in the body of the patient and therefore, it will not cause any allergies.
- Hyaluronic Acid fillers are less bruising, easier to control in the context of how the shape of the lips will turn out and the bumps in the lips dissolve quickly and surely.
Lip Implants
Lip implants are a more permanent option. Unlike lip fillers, which are injected to naturally plump up your lips, lip implants involve silicone implants that are placed between the lip fat and the lip muscle to ensure a permanent plump and shape to your lip. The procedure can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes depending on the case. An incision is done in the lips through which the implants are placed and the incision is then closed using absorbable sutures. Lip implants use plastic implants; either Silicone or expanded polytetraflouroethylene. The latter option is preferred due to it being easier to compress and manipulate and they feel softer and more natural. However, there are natural alternatives to implants. They are Fat grafting and Tissue grafting. These are different types of autologous lip augmentation. In Fat grafting, the fat from the abdomen is taken and transferred to the lip after being purified. The procedure lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and the augmented lips last about five years or longer. In Tissue Grafting, the tissues from the lower part of the stomach are harvested and grafted. Sometimes, a C-section scar can be resected and used for lip augmentation. Sometimes, the skin removed during a facelift can be used for lip augmentation. The procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes and the augmented lips last about five years or longer.Lip implants are preferable over lip fillers for those people who:
- People who have an aversion to frequent surgeries such as lip implants can be done one time whereas a person opting for lip fillers must visit the doctor every few 6 months.
- People who have symmetrical lips are better candidates for lip implants
- People who have enough lip tissue available to hide the implants are better suited for lip implants.
- People who prefer to save money long term